San Francisco is a city rich in history and home to a diverse selection of bars and local watering holes. Twin Peaks San Francisco bar is perhaps one of the city’s most famous establishments, renowned for its history, location and clientele. The following offers just four of the reasons that locals love it.

Its History

Twin Peaks San Francisco bar is a legend with a history dating back to 1935. But it’s the history from the early 1970s on that makes it such a local favorite.

Owners Peggy Forster and Mary Ellen Cunha first opened the doors to this San Francisco bar in 1972, unaware that they were making history by opening what’s widely believed to be the first gay bar in the world to let its patrons look out and the rest of the world see in through its full-length plate glass window. In 1971, when the two friends opened Twin Peaks, the gay community feared being fired or ostracized if their sexual orientation was discovered, making Twin Peak’s openness even more monumental.

Its Location

The Castro is one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and Twin Peaks is arguably one of its most beloved establishments. It’s situated on the corner of Market and Castro, just a few doors away from the Castro Theater. The neighborhood is part of what makes this San Francisco bar so special.

Once the site of dirt roads and dairy farms, this diverse and vibrant ‘hood is favored by locals and visitors alike. In its early days, the area was largely settled by German, Scandinavian and Irish immigrants who built gorgeous Victorian homes, many of which have been restored in modern times. In the 1960s and 70s, gay men began moving into the neighborhood and it soon became a hub for activism. The neighborhood flourished, despite occasional violence like the 1978 assassination of Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s openly gay supervisor. After Milk’s death, the Castro became more open and began celebrating its thriving gay community. And that is part of this neighborhood’s enduring charm, which attracts tourists in droves to revel in the bustling, open atmosphere.

Its Clientele

While many San Francisco bars cater to the younger crowd, Twin Peaks typically attracts a more diverse, mature clientele. It remains a cheerful gathering spot with a strong social vibe that attracts patrons of all ages. In fact, it’s such a friendly, “everybody knows your name” kind of place that locals affectionately call it the Gay Cheers. Others have referred to it as the Glass Coffin in a nod to its history-making window and its popularity among older San Franciscans.

The Atmosphere

Classic cocktails and beer on tap provide plenty of options for Twin Peaks’ patrons to quench their thirst. But it’s the throwback music, comfortable camaraderie, rainbow-hued lights and conversation that keeps folks coming back here. Back when it first opened, Twin Peaks quickly became known for its no-touch policy, which prevented it from becoming a pickup joint. From those early days through today, this San Francisco bar remains ideal for cocktails and conversation rather than a quick grope and hookup.